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11 Nov, 2024 by Damion martin
Called in with questions about Advanced Directives. I was given incredibly helpful advice that allowed me to find resources regarding my situaiton; connect with an attorney that is an expert in the field I was searching for, and quickly resolve my issue. I would absolutely call Northwest Legal again.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Dani jackson
Caitlin Mitchell and her team did a phenomenal job handling my case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism and expertise. Caitlin always took the time to listen to my concerns and explain the process, keeping me informed at every stage. Her attention to detail and her dedication made all the difference. When I needed a voice, she provided it. The outcome exceeded my expectations, especially considering how challenging and complex the case was to navigate. Caitlin is compassionate, knowledgeable, and fully committed to her clients. She transformed an intimidating process into one where I felt valued and supported, protecting my rights every step of the way. I highly recommend Caitlin Mitchell and her team.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Mamascleaningful
We had a very bad experience with Mr. Hwang. This was the only appointment we had with him. I think he is impersonal, angry, self absorbed and not patient.
What do people need when they are going through the worst of their lives? -Patience, kindness and awareness of other people’s feelings, as death can be devastating for the family and friends.
Knowledge without these traits is like getting a big enciclopedia.
Please read all the reviews that have been written about him. I did not before setting an appointment, and regretted it.
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01 Jan, 2023 by Paula
I had the Kent Anderson Law Office prepare my 2021 taxes for me. They did an excellent job and would highly recommend them. It was done quickly and very professionally.
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07 Mar, 2016 by Bob
Kent Anderson saved our house! After a significant drop in income my wife and I were having serious financial difficulties, bills were piling up unpaid, our credit cards were maxed and we were falling farther and farther behind. When the foreclosure notice came we didn’t know what we were going to do.
Kent Anderson was our saviour. He assessed our situation, gave us all the options and helped us to make an informed decision. But he didn’t stop there. He kept working for us over several years keeping our mortgage lender at bay, continuing to look for solutions when we thought it was hopeless, eventually getting our lender to modify our mortgage to a payment we could afford.
Kent Anderson is a great attorney and a genuinely good person who cares about his clients. I have recommended him many times and would again wholeheartedly.
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28 Feb, 2016 by Parks
Kent Anderson is a no nonsense yet compassionate practitioner that holds a genuine concern for his client and those effected by the short and long term impact (positive and negative) of bankruptcy. In short, Mr Anderson and his competent staff guided me through the toughest business and subsequent legal decision experienced in my 4 decade professional carrier, closing with positive results. Kent's advice was timely and spot on! As painful as the bankruptcy process is, I couldn't have asked for better counsel. Kent Anderson Law Firm has my unconditional recommendation and heartfelt thanks.
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30 Jan, 2025 by Penny
I strongly recommend Mr. Joel Ford based on his comprehensive understanding of law, professionalism and exemplary patience. Mr. Ford has a gift of converting the complexities of the law and the estate planning process into understandable terms.
The staff of Strohman Ford are equally professional and courteous. I highly recommend this firm.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
My family found Joel Ford to be professional and detail oriented. Since our trust had been written, both our children and grandchildren had become adults. We went to Joel for an addendum that would satisfy the many changes that had occurred. Joel listened to our concerns, discussed the possibilities, and produced a document that we feel confident will meet our family's needs.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Bill
Joel was very good. He carefully walked us through all of the procedures answering any questions as we went. Without hesitation, we would recommend Joel’s services to anyone.
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29 Jun, 2023 by Kim farrell
Mr. Thompson was awesome in helping with a difficult Estate regarding a family member, who was the administrator who was not trustworthy. He was understanding and went far and above with giving me advice during this difficult time and was caring and professional. I would highly recommend him for any of your Estate needs!
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18 Mar, 2022 by Rhett anderson
Brian Thompson guided me through dealing with my mother's estate. We had an initial consultation where he told me to keep excellent records. I had no idea how important that emphasis would be at the time, but after that I made sure to keep everything in a spreadsheet. I don't know how I could have done this without Brian and the tax professional we used.
Along the way I found the process complicated due to some weird small investments my mother had, and selling her house. It was not a huge estate, but it was complicated.
Every time I asked Brian a question in email he answered back with clear recommendations. He even called me once when he sensed that I was confused.
I would use him again.
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09 Apr, 2020 by Brendan farrell
31 Jan, 2025 by Mr. hittle
Excellent Strong Team. I personally wanted to thank Marcy/ Whitney/ Amanda and Derek for there help and they Really do Care about there clients and that means a lot!!! thank you everyone so much for sticking with me and helping me through this tough time!!!!! Thank you so much Coos Bay/Roseburg Offices for your help!!!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Mike gallego
My case was a difficult one. They were very knowledgeable and helpful. Kept me informed throughout the process. Was there for all my needs and questions. I highly recommend them. I really appreciate you guys.
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30 Jan, 2025 by Heidi gallego
We had a great experience with the Roseburg Office from our attorney Derek to Marcy, the best legal assistant I have ever worked with (and I've worked with a few). They were attentive, communicative, and never hesitated to give us direction even if it wasn't in their wheelhouse. We appreciate them more than a review can fairly state.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Damion martin
Called in with questions about Advanced Directives. I was given incredibly helpful advice that allowed me to find resources regarding my situaiton; connect with an attorney that is an expert in the field I was searching for, and quickly resolve my issue. I would absolutely call Northwest Legal again.
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Dani jackson
Caitlin Mitchell and her team did a phenomenal job handling my case, and I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism and expertise. Caitlin always took the time to listen to my concerns and explain the process, keeping me informed at every stage. Her attention to detail and her dedication made all the difference. When I needed a voice, she provided it. The outcome exceeded my expectations, especially considering how challenging and complex the case was to navigate. Caitlin is compassionate, knowledgeable, and fully committed to her clients. She transformed an intimidating process into one where I felt valued and supported, protecting my rights every step of the way. I highly recommend Caitlin Mitchell and her team.
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Mamascleaningful
We had a very bad experience with Mr. Hwang. This was the only appointment we had with him. I think he is impersonal, angry, self absorbed and not patient.
What do people need when they are going through the worst of their lives? -Patience, kindness and awareness of other people’s feelings, as death can be devastating for the family and friends.
Knowledge without these traits is like getting a big enciclopedia.
Please read all the reviews that have been written about him. I did not before setting an appointment, and regretted it.
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Bob and doris
Zach did an outstanding job in preparing our trust. He was a pleasure to work with throughout the process from the initial consultation to the final product. We highly recommend him for both his expertise and excellent quality of client services.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Carol
Zach was informative as well as being open to our questions or remarks when explaining the recreated trust section by section. He was thorough and well-organized in his presentation and yet, offered an unhurried approach to providing us with pertinent details. We appreciated the depth of his knowledge and business acumen.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I needed to updated my previous estate planning document created over 30 years ago in CA to meet Oregon requirements. After contacting Zachary, he suggested two options and recommended restating my trust with updates to other documents. The work time frame and cost he provided worked for my schedule and budget. Overall, I was very pleased with his professionalism, communication, scheduling, documentation, and final meeting. The new documents met all my expectations, including some new personal changes, streamlining content, and compliance to Oregon estate planning requirements.
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13 Apr, 2019 by Jessica
Yes David Wade is a great lawyer he got me out of a serious charge where I could have had 2 to 7 in prison and pretty much he got me misdemeanor convictions and no jail that's the best player I know and his prices are very good and he cares much about your case as much as you do thank you Dave you are a great please I highly recommend him as your lawyer
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25 Sep, 2022 by Will smith
Brommley has been a huge asset to my company and a very big part of my company's peace of mind. I would recommend him and his partners to anyone! Thank you for you many years of service Mr. Bromley!
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29 Jun, 2021 by Charlene gonzalez
Bruce Newton is a great attorney who has worked with us on a number of times.
He’s very helpful, knowledgeable and easy to understand.
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23 Jan, 2019 by Katy
I worked with Bruce Newton. He and the staff here were fantastic. They were responsive, understanding to my needs, handled my divorce better than I could have hoped. Bruce is personable and knowledgeable!
I would absolutely recommend them.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Steve
When my wife and I scheduled a consultation with Joel, we didn't know whether we needed a will or a trust. Joel took the time to explain the benefits and deficits of each and how they would or would not protect our assets for our future generations. He was upfront about his fees and keep us updated as he worked on our case. I recommend him to anyone needing advice about estate planning.
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09 Jan, 2023 by Joyce
Joel has helped me through a very difficult time when I became very ill several months ago. At the time, I only had a general idea of how I would like my will written how I wanted to allocate what I had acquired.
I didn’t know where to begin so at first I sought out some recommendations and that eventually led me to Joel.
Right off I felt like I had someone who had a serious job but who liked what he did (and was good at it), innately patient and who could easily communicate the what’s and whys of what we needed to document.
Now, I’m so relieved that what I had put off is completed and it was completed in the exact way that I am comfortable with.
I should have done it sooner but then maybe I wouldn’t have met Joel.
The office atmosphere there at the Junction City office is professional but warm and friendly also. I’m glad I got out of town and took the drive!
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08 Oct, 2021 by David
I had an initial consultation with Joel Smith regarding whether to probate the estate of my elderly mother's deceased partner. Joel was very informative and eager to help, even though he advised not to probate, and would receive no compensation for his time.
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03 May, 2024 by Kyleen carlson
My mother passed away in October of 2023. I contacted Mike Romano at Schultz & Associates who came highly recommended by a realtor friend. My mothers Estate went into probate and I was the personal representative. For those who have not dealt with the probate process & laws I will tell you without a good attorney you will be lost. Mike was very patient, communicative & kind. Even when a few unexpected issues came up the probate went smoothly & closed just recently.
I would recommend Mike Romano to anyone as an attorney and person you can trust who gets the job done!
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22 Mar, 2024 by Chris schwartz
I want to thank Mike Romano and his staff for amazing service. My mother passed away suddenly and I reached out to him to help with the trust that Schultz & Associates had prepared for her. He guided me through the entire process and was there every step of the away. I would highly recommend and his staff!
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04 Mar, 2024 by Charlie smoot
If I could give them 10 stars I would. They surpassed our expectations as we settled an estate and set up 2 trusts. This was a very stressful time for us. Mike Romano and his staff made the process smooth. I would highly recommend them.
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03 Nov, 2024 by Nyssa newman
30 Sep, 2024 by Cindy meader
Phil did a wonderful job on my default land sale
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27 Jun, 2024 by Ryan mcintire
I have just recently finished up a near 2 year long probate and estate case. The case was settled satisfactorily and happy to be finished. This was a long process and have some comments and concerns with choosing Mr. Wasley as my attorney.
The Good:
Mr. Wasley is knowledgeable and effective.
He is responsive in his communication.
The Challenges:
Mr. Wasley counseled without Empathy.
At no time did I ever feel like he cared about my case or myself. I certainly do not need hand holding, however it was quite clear I was just a number not a name. When you have lost your parent and need to go through this process, you expect some level of concern.
I felt that many questions or comments I had were bothersome to him. I would think that with how much you have to pay an attorney, that he would welcome questions. I felt inside that I need to apologize for asking a question.
I should have retained another attorney, but by the time I realized how it would go, I was already heavily invested.
At the time of retaining an attorney, I had quite a hard time finding one available.
My suggestion is that if you are in a position where you need an attorney that is somewhat friendly, personable, and empathetic, you should be careful in hiring Mr. Wasley.
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14 Mar, 2022 by Chrisal
Years ago DHS shared confidential information about an alleged report of sexual abuse. The person who got the information took me to court on 3occasions. He decided to protect my kids. Well if DHS had ever bothered to investigate,they could have read Looking Glass Crisis team assessments. Turned out my kids thought I’d pull them out of counseling if they false reported..Wrong..now you are definitely going.
DHS shared information with anyone who would listen. I was assaulted over this..Ya I need another appointment George..My identity was stolen.
George was great and looking forward to working together again.
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13 Mar, 2020 by Laura
He was the most dedicated , caring attorney who put his whole heart and fought tirelessly to help us win our case. I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Derr, except in our case he truly was life saver. He is truly golden.
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30 Jul, 2016 by Maggie
George derr is the best attorney you could ever hope for. 3 prior attorneys told us we could not win in our case because there was no case law to support the outcome we prayed for. George made landmark history. He spent countless hours with us and on the case. Reviewing and preparing. I can not say enough positive about this man. I am eternally grateful he was our attorney. You will never and I mean never! Find an attorney as committed to his client as George Derr
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04 Oct, 2022 by Mackenzie mainwaring
The lady Sheri who answered the phone was one of the rudest people i’ve ever spoken with. Will never be calling again due to this lady. Very unprofessional with a huge attitude. Don’t get into the field of helping people if you can’t help people without being rude.
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12 Feb, 2021 by Tim woosley
Non Communicative. Very Un profesional. Not sure what they spend the retainer money on. No explanation
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31 Aug, 2020 by Sylvia washington
Jessica Rogers assisted me with my Fathers Estate, her knowledge, clarity and timely responses were so refreshing. I would highly recommend her for any Estate Law issues!
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09 Mar, 2022 by Diana
My case didn't involve a lot of money. I simply needed legal advice, in a hurry, regarding my rights and the rights of a dementia patient. She was very generous with her time, and gave me solid legal and common sense advice. Megan is very couteous, very friendly and very down to earth. Her advice served me well, and if I do wind up having to retain a lawyer, she'll be the one.
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05 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Took wrongful information and didn’t fact check anything that was provided. I am disappointed to see someone who is licensed who doesn’t fact check anything with her clients. I’m embarrassed and ashamed.
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30 Mar, 2021 by Tierney
My sister and I hired Megan Salsbury, with Willamette NW Law Firm, with hope she could resolve our estate issue. Megan made a lot of promises and didn't follow through with anything. After making a payment on the bill, we received no resolutions, no follow up email, and ZERO results. Do yourself a favor and hire a firm that has adequate staffing and attorneys that have experience and won't waste your time or money.
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03 Nov, 2024 by Nyssa newman
30 Sep, 2024 by Cindy meader
Phil did a wonderful job on my default land sale
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27 Jun, 2024 by Ryan mcintire
I have just recently finished up a near 2 year long probate and estate case. The case was settled satisfactorily and happy to be finished. This was a long process and have some comments and concerns with choosing Mr. Wasley as my attorney.
The Good:
Mr. Wasley is knowledgeable and effective.
He is responsive in his communication.
The Challenges:
Mr. Wasley counseled without Empathy.
At no time did I ever feel like he cared about my case or myself. I certainly do not need hand holding, however it was quite clear I was just a number not a name. When you have lost your parent and need to go through this process, you expect some level of concern.
I felt that many questions or comments I had were bothersome to him. I would think that with how much you have to pay an attorney, that he would welcome questions. I felt inside that I need to apologize for asking a question.
I should have retained another attorney, but by the time I realized how it would go, I was already heavily invested.
At the time of retaining an attorney, I had quite a hard time finding one available.
My suggestion is that if you are in a position where you need an attorney that is somewhat friendly, personable, and empathetic, you should be careful in hiring Mr. Wasley.
Read more
09 Feb, 2019 by Kat
She touted herself as an expert in Domestic partner. This was before gay marriage was legal. It cost me $12,000 dollars. I had to declare bankrupt, I lost house Lost everything. I did get a nice bouquet of flowers for my 12 grand. If it's the same receptionist, she smells awful. Like a wet ashtray. Save your money, go call Saul. I will never forgive for what you did to me,Vanessa.
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20 Jun, 2012 by Ed
Ms. Crakes did a great job dividing my and my ex-wife's retirement funds after our divorce.
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25 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Crakes to divide the retirement benefits that I was awarded in my divorce. I found her to be very knowledgeable. There were several different types of benefits to be divided, and she was able to answer my questions and explain the process in a way that I found easy to understand. She completed the work promptly and I felt that she looked out for my interests throughout.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You
A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.
Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.
When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:
- The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
- The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
- The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
- There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
- Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
- Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.
Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:
- Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
- Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
- Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
- Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
- Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.
How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?
Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
- Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
- Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
- Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
- Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
- Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.
Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.
Top Questions to Ask a Probate Lawyer
Before hiring a probate lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring someone qualified to handle your estate needs. Key questions include:
-
What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
- Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
- Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
- Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
- Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
- Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.
By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.
